You are here

Little Colorado Water Rights Bill Meets Protests From Navajo and Hopi

"Protests on the Navajo Nation have been in high gear ever since last week, when tribal members and activists got wind of a proposed settlement that aims to help quantify Navajo water rights on the Little Colorado River. Trouble is, many Navajo citizens believe the settlement may actually erode the tribe's sovereignty when it comes to maintaining a safe and sufficient future water supply."

"The Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Act of 2012 emerged from years-long negotiations between 30 stakeholders in the Little Colorado River basin, including the Navajo and Hopi tribes, industry and governments. It's been introduced to Congress as Senate Bill 2109 by senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ), and has the support, so far, of Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly. The settlement's proponents point out that it allows the Navajo Nation to use whatever water it can get from the C-aquifer and the Little Colorado River."
Anne Minard reports for Indian Country Today April 14, 2012.